India Kynar "Semaj" Rice

1993 - 2021

India "Semaj" Kynar Rice

July 8, 1993 - May 12, 2021

India "Semaj" Kynar Rice, 27, of Hickory, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at her residence.

Born July 8, 1993, in Spartanburg, S.C., she was the daughter of Donnie and Lanora Pearson Evans.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, William and Leslie Pearson; fiancé, Donald Simpson; and cousin, Aaron Pearson.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by Willie D. Rice; sisters, Kyllaila Evans and husband, Quinton, "twin" Carrie Pearson and Alex Burgins, Kenyatta Nicole Cureton, and Nyatre Cureton-Davis and husband, Shawn; brothers, Xzaiver Smith, Raheem Littlejohn, Miles Evans and Terrance Watkins; close cousin, Keyonah Pearson; daughter, Danielle Coote; nephews and nieces, Isaiah, Cyan, Kilaya, Nori, Layonah, and Jhakia; paternal grandparents, Julius Evans and Betty Houser; many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends; and lastly but so important, her fur son, James Simpson.

India was a true diva, into hair and makeup; always looking her best. She had started an on-line boutique, "30 Shades of Flyy."

She was known as "Semaj," a tribute to her beloved dog, but also "Partner" and "Majstaks." She was a great cook, loved everything purple and especially loved her family. She would go all out for them and was very protective of them. She was a wonderful Auntie; the sky being the limit as for what she would do for them. India was a very caring and giving person who was a gift to us all throughout her life that was cut way too short.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, May 17, at Bass-Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Linda Tyler officiating. A private family burial will be held. The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., prior to the service, where India will lie in state.

Donations to assist the family may be sent to Bass-Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1869, Hickory, NC 28601.

www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com